There is a plethora of Alberta scholarships specifically for undergraduate, graduate, and international students who want to attend post-secondary institutions in the province, whether they are universities in Calgary, the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you a breakdown of the several types of Alberta scholarships from both private and public sources, along with application requirements, and strategies to help you get one.
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Alberta Scholarships: Private Scholarships
1. Anna and John Kolesar Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Enrolled in a Faculty of Education in Alberta, resident of Alberta
Application Requirements: Application form, and academic transcripts
This scholarship was started to honor the parents of a former Minister of Education in Alberta, so one of the requirements is that you be enrolled in any degree program at a Faculty of Education within the province. You must also be a resident of the province for at least 12 months. But the reason that this is often an unclaimed scholarship in Canada is because it involves parents as well. One of the stipulations is that neither of your parents can have received a university degree, similar to the parents of the Minister who started the scholarship. The only selection factor is your final marks across two main courses (English, and French) and a combination of advanced science and math courses.
2. Alberta Blue Cross Indigenous Scholarships
Award Amount: $1,500
Type: Merit- and needs-based
Criteria: Academic excellence, community involvement
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation
Alberta Blue Cross sponsors several Alberta scholarships, but this scholarship is specifically for Indigenous students who are either enrolled in a graduate certificate or diploma program that is longer than 2 years in length. This Alberta scholarship is one of the easiest scholarships in Canada to get because it is not so focused on academic achievement but also active participation in community initiatives that reflect a holistic approach to education.
You must apply directly to Blue Cross, which provides an application form on its website along with the detailing the application requirements. Along with being a full-time student, a resident of Alberta, and a member of a First Nation, you must also include a list of your community service commitments over a period of two years, which can be anything from volunteer work to community service such as coaching, mentoring, tutoring or any other leadership role. You must also include a 1500-word essay describing your background, how you plan to use the scholarship money, and any future career or service plans.
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3. Don and Norine Lowry Awards for Women of Excellence
Award Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Type: Merit-, need-, and community-based
Criteria: Women-only, resident of Edmonton, must be attending an institution in Edmonton
Application Requirements: Application form, portfolio, letters of recommendation
This Alberta scholarship is Edmonton-based, meaning you must be a resident of Edmonton, be enrolled in any post-secondary institution in the city, including a technical school or college. It is also gender-based, so only women are eligible. You must also be able to demonstrate how you plan on giving back to the city through your chosen career path. You can only be entering a set list of programs or fields at either university, college or technical schools, such as:
- Medicine, dentistry, nursing, or pharmacology for professional schools
- Any field of engineering (hydro and power generation preferred)
- Accounting or finance
This Alberta scholarship can also be used as a medical school scholarship, since you can use it as a way for how to pay for medical school. This scholarship also requires that you demonstrate financial need and submit at least two letters of recommendation from people who know you well, whether they be former teachers, supervisors or employers. Academic achievement is important, as you must also submit your transcripts to be considered.
4. Ranald and Vera Shean Memorial Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
Type: Merit-based
Criteria: Canadian citizens or permanent residents-only, pursuing classical music at a post-secondary institution, or privately, resident of Edmonton or Northern Alberta
Application Requirements: A single, 20-minute recorded performance
This Alberta scholarship is aimed at students who want to study classical music at the university-level, but whose primary instrument is either the piano or violin. You must submit a 20-minute recording of you playing three separate pieces on either instrument from three different periods, which is the sole application requirement, which makes it a very unique Canadian scholarship. You must be a resident of Edmonton or Northern Alberta, so this Alberta scholarship is not open to international students.
Award Amount: $2,500
Type: Merit-, needs- and community-based
Criteria: Active involvement in community service, leadership skills, sports and be studying either studying engineering, business or law
Application Requirements: Application form, community service record, letters of recommendation
The Kyle Block Scholarship is another Alberta scholarship with strict residency requirements and applicant criteria. You can only be eligible for this scholarship if you are pursuing either an engineering, business or law degree, and only at recognized schools in either Alberta, Saskatchewan, or British Columbia, which have some of the best universities in Canada for engineering. The other candidate criteria for this scholarship are academic, as you must have at least a grade average of 70% and have either sport, music, community service or social justice causes as your extracurriculars for college or as your student engagement activities for college. You must also be going into your second year of study, so freshmen are not eligible.
6. Alberta Women's Science Network Scholarship
Award Amount: $3,000
Type: Merit-based
Criteria: Female students pursuing STEM fields
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, essay
This Alberta scholarship is focused on promoting gender diversity in STEM fields, so it is open only to female students in their final two years of an undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program at an Alberta-based institution, which is home to some of the best universities for computer science in Canada.
But, as the scholarship is meant to encourage women to pursue their passion in traditionally male-dominated disciplines, it is also open to professionals in STEM industries who want to take continuing education courses or receive additional credentials to accelerate their careers. You must submit three essays outlining your future career goals, the reasons for your financial need, and what positive impact you hope to have on your community. Academics are also important so you must also submit your most recent transcripts, along with a single reference letter from someone who knows you well, excluding friends and family.
7. Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, Alberta resident, enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in Alberta
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
This Alberta scholarship is for high-achieving Alberta high-school students who plan on enrolling in a full-time post-secondary institution in Alberta or elsewhere. This scholarship has few application requirements other than submitting your transcripts from an Alberta or out-of-province high school, as the selection committee views your grades as the best indicator of your potential. You have to have a minimum grade average between 75% and 80% in English, French, and at least three other courses, such as mathematics, science, social sciences, or another foreign language. However, you can still apply if you do not meet the stated grade averages. But to increase your chances of getting the scholarship, you can take upgrading courses leading up to your application submission to ensure that you do meet or exceed the recommended grade averages.
9. Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
Award Amount: Between $11,000 - $15,000
Type: Merit-based
Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements, minimum GPA
Application Requirements: Must submit application to be nominated
The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious graduate school scholarship aimed at recognizing exceptional Canadian, international and Indigenous students who have applied to a graduate studies program in the province. You must be enrolled full-time at a recognized graduate studies program, Master’s or a PhD, or a graduate certificate program that is also a bridgeway program to a Master’s. This scholarship is not institution-specific, meaning it is not offered only at one institution in Alberta, but you must apply through your institution to be considered. However, there are requirements. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 to have your application reviewed. The prize is non-renewable and consists of only a single payout between $11,000 and $15,000.
Alberta Scholarships: Institution-Based Scholarships
1. The Lou Hyndman Edmonton Glenora Award
Award Amount: $20,000 over two years
Type: Merit-based
Criteria: Full-time student at the University of Alberta in select fields of study
Application Requirements: application form, one letter of reference, minimum GPA
This Alberta scholarship is tied directly to the University of Alberta, and is only available to students who are enrolled in twelve distinct undergraduate or graduate programs, such as (short-list):
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Women’s Studies
- Economics
- History
You must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and also be active in several community service or volunteer commitments. It would also help to have any leadership experience, which should be reflected in your letter of reference as well (you only need one letter). You have to apply through the university’s centralized scholarship program that awards other Alberta scholarships based on academic performance or leadership qualities.
2. Chancellor's Circle Scholarships
Award Amount: $10,000
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The Chancellor Club Scholarships are offered at all universities in Canada, not just universities in Alberta, and are merit-based scholarships available to all incoming undergraduate students at participating institutions. As this is an entrance scholarship, you do not have to fill out a separate application; your application to an undergraduate program at the university doubles as your application, so your college personal statement and other college essays will be viewed and assessed, along with the averages for your final two years of high school. Your GPA determines the award money, so the higher your GPA the more the scholarship is worth. You may also be selected for the scholarship based on leadership qualities and you must indicate these experiences on your application to the school. But this free scholarship in Canada also comes with other benefits, such as mentorship opportunities, volunteer commitments and access to a worldwide alumni network of former Chancellor scholarship recipients.
3. Dr. Bhagwan Dua Memorial Entrance Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic achievements in arts and science disciplines, admission to the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Sciences undergraduate program
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, one letter of recommendation, essay
This scholarship is for any Canadian high-school students who have gained admittance to the University of Lethbridge in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, who also demonstrates leadership in the community. All high-school graduates are eligible to apply and the award is open to both Canadian and international students. There are academic requirements, such as having a minimum 80% average for your final year of high school. You also have to write a single 500-word essay outlining your involvement in community service projects, as well as any leadership roles you’ve undertaken.
4. William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award
Award Amount: $10,000
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements, community involvement, actively promotes the idea of citizenship
Application Requirements: Must be nominated by Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta
If you’re an engineering student in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta, you’re eligible for this Alberta scholarship (students in their final year are not eligible). The award aims to recognize students who have made outstanding contributions not only to the field of engineering, but have also promoted the idea of good citizenship (what it means or what it should mean) through past and ongoing activities in community service or leadership roles. You must be nominated for the award, but you can nominate yourself.
However, applicants who are nominated by their peers (fellow students, faculty, industry professionals) are preferred. If you are nominated by a third-party, you can complete an application form through the school’s centralized application platform for all undergraduate academic scholarships and awards. You must excel academically (minimum 2.0 GPA) and have ongoing extracurricular commitments that involve volunteering, or anything involving being a good citizen.
5. Mount Royal University President's Scholarship
Award Amount: $7,500
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular activities
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The Mount Royal University President's Scholarship is award to incoming, undergraduate students at Mount Royal who exhibit both academic brilliance and strong involvement in the community through extracurricular activities. You do not need to submit a separate application for this Alberta scholarship, as your application for admission to the university will be assessed to determine whether you qualify for this two-part scholarship (one disbursement in the fall; the other in the winter semester). The main criteria are having at least an 80% grade average for five core subjects in Grade 12, as well as having a lengthy record of extracurricular achievement, which can range from excelling in the arts or sports, but also community service and volunteer work. All students, Alberta, Canadian and international are eligible for this scholarship.
5. Athabasca University Barbara Roberts Memorial Award
Award Amount: $750
Type: Merit-based
Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements, community service
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
This Alberta scholarship is not a no-essay scholarship, as the main application requirement is writing an exceptional, imaginative, and critical essay about any topic related to women, gender studies and feminism. Athabasca University is based in Alberta, but it is a completely online university that hosts several types of programs from an online law school and online nursing programs to online graduate programs that hands out both master’s and doctorate degrees. The Barbara Roberts Scholarship is only for undergraduate students enrolled in any program, but only a faculty member can submit an essay for consideration. The essay must be between 2500 and 7500 words and must include the author’s personal contact information and authorization to publish the work if successful.
6. Jason Lang Scholarship & Louise McKinney Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements, community involvement, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Automatic consideration based on academic performance
These are two Alberta scholarships that you can apply for together, but the Louise McKinney scholarship is the more competitive of the two. This means that if you do not qualify for the latter, you can still be considered for the Jason Lang scholarship. The requirements for both are academic. You must have a minimum 3.2 GPA for either prize and have completed at least 80% of a full academic year at an Alberta post-secondary institution to be eligible so high-school students are not eligible.
However, there are two versions of the Louise McKinney scholarship. You can apply either to the study-in-Alberta scholarship or the study-outside-of-Alberta program for both scholarships. The requirements are the same for the latter, except you must be applying to a program that is not taken in Alberta. For those who want to study in Alberta, you must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program (graduate students are not eligible).
Alberta Scholarships: International Students
1. University of Alberta International Leader Scholarship
Award Amount: $8,000
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, international student status
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The University of Alberta International Leader Scholarship is tailored for outstanding international students who have been enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university on student visas. This Alberta scholarship is merit-based and it is an entrance scholarship so there is no separate application required. However, the scholarship may be renewable for the duration of your studies at the university, provided you maintain a good academic record. You must excel academically, but also show continued interest and commitment to various extracurricular pursuits or other community-based projects.
2. University of Alberta President's International Distinction Scholarship
Award Amount: n/a
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, international student status, extracurricular activities, leadership roles
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The President’s International Distinction scholarships are awarded to exceptional international students who have been successfully admitted to an undergraduate program at the University of Alberta who are studying only with a valid student visa. Similar to other scholarships in Canada for international students, you must demonstrate excellence in areas outside of academics, while that is important as well. You must have at least 3.0 to be considered for the award. However, as the scholarship is renewable over your four years, you must maintain this grade average to keep your funding.
3. John and Louise Kennelly Award
Award Amount: n/a
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Entering the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; international student status, European Union citizen, extracurricular activities
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The John and Louise Kennelly award is an Alberta scholarship offered through the University of Alberta for any incoming undergraduate student entering a degree program at the school’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. This scholarship is open only to citizens of a European Union member country, and is entrance-based so you do not need to submit a separate application to be considered. You can enter at any year of study, but your application for admission will be assessed for your academic achievements, and extracurricular activities whether they are service or community-based.
4. Radhe Gupta/Rohit Group International Award
Award Amount: n/a
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, student must have attended school in India, extracurricular activities, leadership roles
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
The Radhe Gupta/Rohit Group international award is for students interested in pursuing business studies at the Alberta School of Business, which has one of the best MBA programs in Canada. The award is not an MBA scholarship, as only undergraduate students can be considered for the scholarship if they are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Alberta School of Business. You must have good academic standing to be considered for the scholarship and also have attended school in India previous to applying and being admitted into the business school.
5. China Foreign Affairs University Partnership Scholarship
Award Amount: n/a
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, student must be recommended by home university, extracurricular activities, leadership roles
Application Requirements: Entrance scholarship; no separate application required
This Alberta scholarship is awarded in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University for Chinese students who have successfully been admitted to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. Students must be recommended for the scholarship by the China Foreign Affairs University and also have good academic standing, which means a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also maintain your good academic standing, as the scholarship is renewable for a second year if you maintain a high GPA and take more than an 18-credit course load.
How to Get an Alberta Scholarship
1. Maintain a High GPA
As many of these Alberta scholarships are entrance-based and don’t require a separate application, your GPA will be the factor that admissions and scholarship committee scrutinize the most. The Chancellor Circle scholarships, which are not specific to Alberta but are still available at all the major universities and colleges, is awarded solely on your academic achievement; meaning the higher your GPA, the more money you will receive. You have to conscious of your GPA for your application for admission as well, so if you only meet the minimum requirements, you should consider taking extra-credit courses during the summer before you apply or enroll in upgrading courses that will allow you to increase your grades in specific subjects that will be listed on transcripts so these admission and scholarship committees see that you applied yourself to increase your GPA.
2. Participate in a Lot of Extracurriculars
As important as your GPA is, your list of extracurricular activities is just as crucial. Many of these scholarships make your involvement in any kind of community service or volunteering program an essential part of being considered. When choosing extracurriculars, you should find something that you are passionate about to ensure a long-term and dedicated commitment. You shouldn’t apply for any program that you are not 100% passionate about, since it will be hard to maintain your motivation and lead to a poor outcome for you and the organization you’re trying to help. You should focus on something that you have an inherent interest in, whether it be helping newcomers settle in your city, or applying your natural skills in photography, writing, or graphic design to help a non-profit organization.
3. Get Good Letters of Recommendation
Many of these Alberta scholarships require at least one letter of reference, so having the right people in your corner is important. These will be similar to your college recommendation letters, so you may be able to ask the same writers for scholarship recommendations as well. You have to be aware of this requirement, so remember to foster and maintain relationships with teachers, counselors, principals, or professional people who’ve known you for a long time to be able to get outstanding letters. However, if you find it hard to keep these connections, you can also ask people who meet the letter-writer requirements of your scholarship and supply them with your college or university application materials (transcripts, personal letters, other letters of recommendation) so they can get an idea of what you want to accomplish with the scholarship but also during your studies. You should also ask people who adamantly support you rather than people who hesitate or are unsure, as your letter of recommendation should be a full-throated endorsement of your eligibility.
Conclusion
Alberta scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also serve as recognition of your talent, dedication, and potential. Each award has its unique history and purpose, celebrating a diverse range of achievements and backgrounds. You should research each of these Alberta scholarships carefully, as many of them have very specific requirements down to the region of Alberta you are from, your field of study, and your cultural background.
FAQs
1. What are Alberta scholarships?
Alberta scholarships can be defined in many ways, but we define them as any scholarship that supports your education in an undergraduate or graduate program offered at a post-secondary institution in Alberta.
2. How many Alberta scholarships are there?
Alberta Aid, the organization that hands out financial assistance to all university students in Alberta has six different categories for you to choose from including Academic, Athletic, Indigenous and Technology-based scholarships. There are dozens of Alberta scholarships within these individual categories so there are hundreds of Alberta scholarships available to all students.
3. What are Alberta scholarships worth?
Alberta scholarships have various award amounts ranging from $500 or $750 to full-tuition waivers for the most outstanding applicants.
4. How can I apply for an Alberta scholarship?
There are various ways to apply to an Alberta scholarship, but it depends on the scholarship. We listed some private scholarships that are handed out by non-profit or industry groups, so you have to apply directly to that organization. Other Alberta scholarships are institutional, meaning you have to apply through your post-secondary organization. Still others are entrance scholarships so your application for admission is your application.
5. What do I have to do to get an Alberta scholarship?
The exact eligibility criteria and application requirements for each Alberta scholarship is different. For some, a high GPA and long-term involvement in community service projects are required. But others require you write a stellar essay or paper on a specific subject. There are also candidate requirements based on your background, field of study, even gender, so you have to research the exact requirements carefully.
6. Are there any spending restrictions for Alberta scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship and who is sponsoring it. Private scholarships usually award you the money directly. But institutional scholarships are usually credited toward your tuition or other academic expenses, so you never have access to the money.
7. Do I have to be from Alberta to get an Alberta scholarship?
No, but in some cases, yes, you must be an Alberta resident studying at a post-secondary institution in Alberta to qualify. However, we also listed scholarships for international students who want to study in Alberta, which does not require Alberta residency, only a valid student visa and enrollment at a post-secondary program in the province.
8. Is it hard to get an Alberta scholarship?
All scholarships, not just Alberta scholarships, are hard to get. They are awarded to only the most outstanding students who have excellent academic and extracurricular records. If you are an exceptional student and apply yourself to your studies, or participate in community service initiatives, you should not have a hard time getting an Alberta scholarship.
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